Ways to Celebrate International Bacon Day on the Cheap

You’ve heard of applewood, smoked and even Canadian bacon. But what about speck, gypsy bacon or slab bacon? On Sept. 2, you can enjoy the delicious, addictive meat in all its varieties in honor of International Bacon Day.

You might be surprised to hear that bacon has its own day. However, people have been gobbling up this cured delicacy since at least 1500 B.C. In 1924, the first patent for modern packaged bacon went to Oscar Mayer, and the rest, as they say, is breakfast history.

1. Host a Bacon Potluck Party

You love bacon. Your friends love bacon. You might as well throw a potluck-style party for Bacon Day, but make sure your friends chip in. You’ll save money if everyone brings a dish to share with the rest of the bacon addicts — and maybe some beer, too. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes involving bacon, from bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper burgers to bacon maple shortbread and bacon guacamole.

2. Attend a Bacon Day Celebration

You’re not the only one who loves bacon. All across the U.S., businesses, restaurants and cities are hosting exciting events for Bacon Day that you can enjoy. Here are a few of the best options for meat-loving maniacs:

San Diego Bacon Fest: This festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 2 at Preble Field in NTC Park. Tickets cost $55 or $90 for VIP. That might seem pricey, but you are entitled to unlimited samples of all the rare and exotic bacon-themed foods and drinks the festival has to offer.

International Bacon Fest in Houston: If you want to continue the bacon celebration, hit up this Houston-based festival on Oct. 7. The event, which benefits the Texas Lions Camp, will feature bacon-inspired cocktails, a bacon eating competition and more fun.

3. Make Bacon Cocktails

Some of the best bacon recipes don’t involve food. You can celebrate with a huge variety of bacon-flavored beverages, as well. For a bacon and egg cocktail, simply shake 1.5 ounces of bacon-infused gin, 1 ounce of fresh egg whites, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of orange blossom honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Then strain, serve over ice in a tall glass and, of course, garnish with a strip of bacon.

5. Host a Bacon Cooking Competition

As part of the Big Bite Bacon Dish festival in San Diego, contestants square off in a bacon cooking competition. But you don’t need to be in Southern California to take part — host your own contest with your friends. The contestants can chip in and get the winner a bacon of the month club subscription of your choosing.

Mix the bacon, onions and cheese in a bowl, and then place the mixture in the frozen pie crust.

Mix the eggs and cream in a bowl, and then pour it over the cheese mix.

Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, and then lower the heat to 350 degrees.

Leave it in the oven for another 35 minutes, until the quiche browns on top.

6. Dress Your Dog Up in a Bacon Costume

You know who loves bacon more than you do? Your dog. For National Bacon Day, you can score an amazing bacon pet costume at FindACostume for $6.95, on sale from $12.95. Depending on how good your dog looks dressed up, he or she might even make the cut for the Royal Bacon Society’s pets in bacon costumes photo gallery. Yes, that’s a real thing.

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